I’m moving soon, but I’m struggling with the idea of leaving behind a friend I’ve had for three years.
This handsome guy isn’t technically my cat, but I call him Big Guy. Some neighbors call him Birdie—mostly because he loves hunting birds. He was already living here long before I moved in, and from what my neighbors say, he’s been on this property for over eight years. In all that time, he’s never let anyone get close to him… except me.
Somehow, he and I formed a bond. A real one.
He lives on my patio and naps on my outdoor furniture. He walks with me and my two dogs, follows us everywhere, and even meets me at my car when I pull in. No matter how far away he is, he’ll come running just to walk me back to my apartment.
Every day he comes inside to nap, eat, get treats, and soak up all the pets. He even plays with my dogs. When it storms, when fireworks go off, or when the landscaping crew comes through, he runs straight to my door to be let in. And if he’s scared and hiding, I go looking for him until I find him. Most of the time, though, he’s already waiting at my patio door.
I love this big guy. But now that I’m in the process of buying my first home for my dogs and me, I’m torn. Part of me wants to bring him with us. Another part of me wonders if it’s fair to take him away from the place he’s called home for so many years.
I don’t know what the right choice is. What should I do?
